Viewers have reacted as they watched the first live episode of Have I Got News For You since the terrifying news that Ian Hislop’s car was hit by what was initially believed to have been a gunshot.
Ian candidly addressed the issue on air on the show, just seconds before the theme tune. “I would say at this point I’m glad to be here, but this week I really am!” he exclaimed.
The journalist quipped: “There was one high point when the policeman investigating said: ‘This may be a silly question, but is there anyone who might have a grudge against you?'” Peals of laughter rang out from the audience as he transformed his ordeal into light-hearted humour.
“Yes, good to see Ian Hislop still alive for #HaveIGotNewsForYou! #hignfy,” one fan took to Twitter to exclaim.
“Suppose we better watch #HIGNFY tonight, Ian Hislop did take a shattered windscreen for the country after all!” quipped another. Someone else mischievously joked: “I think the potential shooting of Ian Hislop was just a promotion for the new series….”
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Ian Hislop of Have I Got News For You (Image: PA)
The Private Eye editor had been travelling in a black cab near the publication’s offices when it was reported that a “bullet” struck the window.
However, it has since emerged that Met police found “no evidence of a gunshot discharge”.
Despite roads initially being closed as a precautionary measure, the officers reportedly quickly ascertained that there was no threat.
They clarified that a “mechanical fault” might have been behind the terrifying incident, which saw the window seem to implode.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson broke the news, confirming: “An investigation was launched and police seized the vehicle. Urgent CCTV and forensic examinations have been conducted.
“While enquiries are ongoing, police have found no evidence of a firearms discharge at this time.
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“Initial indications suggest a mechanical fault might have caused the window to shatter. We await further tests.”
In a statement on social media, Private Eye confirmed that Hislop wished to “thank everyone involved for their concern which is greatly appreciated”.
The publication went on to confirm that the gunshot theory is unlikely and that “there may be another more innocent explanation for what happened”.
Hislop has been the editor of Private Eye for almost 40 years, while he began his longstanding position on Have I Got News For You back in 1990.
Despite the terrifying incident, Ian hasn’t lost his trademark frank attitude and didn’t hesitate to mock during this evening’s show.
Taking aim at him for the freebies scandal, he exclaimed: “Just odd that he didn’t see this was going to be a problem… makes you think he’s not very good at politics!”